Info Sources for Police Checks for E2 Visas

The Korean government now requires a police/background check for all E2 Visa applicants (language teachers). These must be obtained from your country of citizenship. (For more info on these new regulations - effective 2007 December 15 scroll down to the bottom of the page where you will see related topics - including E2 visa details)

Following is information on the policies re police checks for some of the countries from which come many of the ESL teachers in Korea, including the average time required, the cost and a website for more info:

AustraliaTime: 2~3 months Fee: (in AUS$)- depends on the extent of the checki) Police Certificate based on an Australia-wide check of name only: $41.40ii) Police Certificate based on an Australia-wide check of name and fingerprints: $146.70iii)Police Certificate based on an Australia-wide check of name with ASIO security assessment - Ammonium Nitrate: $60.40*

New ZealandTime: 2~3 months to receive copy of criminal record (NZ does not provide Certificates of Police Check)Fee: no information given

South AfricaTime: 14 days from the date received at the Criminal Records CenterFee: (in Rand) 59 RandUnited KingdomTime: 10 days or more - NB At present, the UK authorities do not provide police clearance certificates. Applicants can however apply for a subject access reply under the Subject Access Provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998. This is accepted by most foreign authorities in the absence of any other facility. Fee: (in UK pounds) 10 + fingerprint fee*

*Since Korean Immigration wants the forms sent directly to them (this may change or may not be the case in all circumstances), there may also be a postage fee added to the costs.

Editor's Note: Korea4Expats.com tries to ensure that the information we provide is accurate and complete, so should you notice any errors or omissions in the content above please contact us at info@korea4expats.com.Please note that government regulations and procedures may have changed from what has been described above or may not apply in all situations/cases. K4E recommends that you check with the appropriate government office and/or officials prior to going forward.